(from Subaru Press Release)
Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd (FHI), a global manufacturer of transportation
and aerospace-related products and the maker of Subaru automobiles,
today announced the unveiling of a revolutionary concept car, the Subaru
B11S, at the 73rd International Geneva Motor Show to be held from 6 to
16 March. Combining sophisticated sporty design with ample interior
space, the Subaru B11S represents a new type of four-door Coupe. While
it was developed to demonstrate FHIís future design direction and its
strengthened design capabilities, the Subaru B11S also features superb
driving performance, which is ensured by a symmetrical AWD (all-wheel
drive) system in combination with a horizontally-opposed engine.

Since Kyoji Takenaka assumed the title of President and Chief Operating
Officer in June 2001, FHI has been enhancing its design capabilities as
part of company-wide reforms aimed at improving the Subaru brand. One
year later, as FHI began placing greater emphasis on the importance of
design development, the long experienced Subaru car designer, Kiyoshi
Sugimoto, was promoted to the position of Vice President and General
Manager of Subaru Design Department, which marked the first time that a
car designer was appointed as an executive officer. The Subaru B11S is
the first concept car designed under the leadership of Mr. Sugimoto with
guidance from Mr. Takenaka in initial concept development. The
Barcelona-based independent design studio, Fuore Design International,
under the leadership of Erwin Himmel, which has been retained by FHI as
a consultancy, fully contributed to the creation of the B11S.

Concept

The B11S has been developed to pursue the
concept of Gran Utility Turismo, which symbolises the embodiment of the
perfect blend of sporty driving, comfort, functionality and elegance.
The car incorporates all the crucial ingredients of this concept. It
features attractive styling and packaging, which further reflect FHIís
corporate philosophy, Innovative, Individual and Courageous; Subaruís
technological strengths, such as the horizontally-opposed engine and a
symmetrical AWD system; and driving performance equivalent to a
high-performance sports car for the enthusiast.

Exterior design

The exterior design, composed of
sophisticated flowing curves, expresses an elegant, sleek Coupe, in
spite of the fact that the car comfortably accommodates four adults. The
front fascia, which fortifies its sporty look, conjures up the turbine
of a small jet plane and the freedom of flying wings Ė an association
with FHIís corporate roots as an aircraft company, as well as a reminder
of outstanding aerodynamic technology and performance.

The two pairs of side doors open like gates and latch in the middle
without a conventional B-pillar, an arrangement that facilitates access
to the back seats and makes interior room seem even more spacious.
Developed specifically for the B11S, the frosted glass roof provides an
open-air feeling, as in a convertible, and it creates a pleasant soft
light inside the vehicle that enhances the quality look of its interior.
The unique glass roof design was inspired by the design and construction
of traditional Japanese umbrellas.

Interior design

In sharp contrast to the white pearl body
colour, for the interior of the B11S the colour blue has been selected,
influenced by Subaru's characteristic colour. Strong emphasis was placed
on crafting an understated yet high-quality ambience in the cabinís
design, which is reminiscent of Japanese interior decoration and its
attention-to-detail approach. In addition, the folding rear seats allow
easy access to and from the trunk for luggage or sports equipment. The
interior provides a comfortable space for passengers and offers
practical solutions at the same time.

Driving performance

The B11S has been equipped with a new
horizontally-opposed, 6-cylinder engine. This engine, which will meet
both the needs of driving pleasure and the demands of environmental
considerations, is currently under development. A twin turbocharged
engine is being developed that will ensure a smooth ride in low- and
middle-speed ranges while it achieves a maximum output of 294 kW (400
PS) and a maximum torque of 550 Nm (56.1 kgfm).

The symmetrical AWD system integrated with a 5-speed automatic
transmission comes with VTD (variable torque distribution), Subaruís
unique, electronically controlled torque distribution system. While the
basic torque distribution ratio of front to rear wheels is set at 35%
and 65% respectively, the VTD optimally controls the torque distribution
between front and rear wheels according to driving conditions and
realises a high level of balance between the yawing tendency of a
vehicle and high-speed stability.